This course studies the development of the child from conception to adolescence. It investigates physical, intellectual, social, and emotional factors involved in the child's growth. (Students who take PSY 235 cannot receive credit for PSY 231.)
The purpose of the course is to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of the methods, theories and main concepts related to child development. The course offers scientific and practical guidance to those who 1) work with, care for, or raise children, 2) design prevention and health promotion programs for children and 3) provide opportunities for children to thrive. There will be a special emphasis on the theories of development, offering descriptions and explanations of cognitive, motor, social, linguistic, emotional, personality, and moral development. The conditions and environments within which development takes place will be discussed, including an emphasis on those factors which promote positive development. A major goal of the course is for students to demonstrate an understanding of the interaction between the developing child and a continually changing world.